Page 81 - SA Fruit Journal VOLUME 14

memory during sleep. As the symbol of re- membrance and fidelity rosemary has been used for centuries in courtship and weddings. According to English folklore, if a girl placed a plate of flour under a rosemary bush on mid- summer's eve, her future husband's initials would be written in it. Other's believed that to see your true love in a dream one should put rosemary under your pillow. Rosemary has long held a prominent role in the wed- ding ceremony. Dried rosemary has been laid in the bed linen to ensure faithfulness and a bride who gave her groom a sprig of rosemary to hold on their wedding night would ensure that he remain faithful.Medicinally and for purification rose- mary was a mainstay in the practices of early medical and sterilization techniques. During the plaque of 1665 it was carried and sniffed to protect against contamination from the dreaded epidemic. Carried in either a pouch, handkerchief or perhaps in the head of a gentleman's walking stick. Rosemary has been burned for centuries in sick chambers to purify the air, specifically in French hospi- tals during war to kill germs - burned also in churches and courtrooms and other public arenas for its antiseptic properties.During the Middle Ages rosemary was spread on the floor at midnight on Christmas Eve so as people walked on it the fragrance would fill the air; and that those who smelled it would have a year of health and happiness.As we discover more about the chemi- cal structure of rosemary and its antioxidant properties, the myth of the past is quickly be- coming the reality of the future and we are validating the many applications of rosemary that have been utilized for centuries.2. MEDICINALPossible health benefits of rosemary: • Rich source of antioxidants and anti-in- flammatory compounds- these are thought to help boost the immune system and im-prove blood circula-tion. Rich in antioxi-dants, that play an important role in neutral- izing harmful particles called free radicals.• Improving diges-tion In Europe rosemary isoften used to help treat indigestion.• Enhancing memory and concentration Blood levels of rosemary oil components cor- relate with improved cognitive performance.• Neurological protection Scientists have found that rosemary is also good for your brain - the carnosic acid is able to fight off free radical damage in the brain.• Prevent brain aging Researchers in Japan believe it can significantly help prevent this.• Cancer Research published found that crude ethanolic rosemary extract has differential anti-proliferative effects on human leukemia and breast carcinoma cells. An effective herbal anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour agent.• Protection against macular degeneration A study revealed that a major component of rosemary, carnosic acid, can significantly promote eye health. This could have clinical applications for diseases affecting the outer retina, such as age-related macular degenera- tion - the most common eye disease.• Mood Elevator A study found that smelling rosemary improved test subjects' quality of memory and that their mood was significant- ly improved compared to a control group.• Migraine Help Rosemary has been a popu- lar natural migraine remedy for centuries. Boil some rosemary in a large pot of water and pour it into a bowl. Place a towel over your head and lean over the pot to inhale the steam for about 10 minutes.• Pain Relief It not only helps relieve the pain of migraines, but essential oil of rose- mary can also be applied topically as a natu- ral treatment for arthritis, sore muscles, and other joint and muscle pains.SA VRUGTE JOERNAAL 78 FEB | MAART 2015• Antibacterial Studies have found that rosemary has powerful antibacterial prop- erties against H. pylori (the bacteria that causes stomachulcers) and Staph infections.• Fresh Breath Rosemary can be used as a natural mouthwash .To make the mouthwash, steep fresh rose- mary in a pint of heated water. Strain it and use it as a mouth rinse as often as you like. Itwill keep in the fridge if covered.• Diuretic Properties Rosemary is a mild diuretic, which means that it can help get rid of bloating and water retention in the body. Used regularly, it may help in the increase of urine flow and help the kidneys function at optimal levels to help get rid of excess water. • Respiratory Health Rosemary is a great natural remedy for respiratory problems. Breathing in the scent of the essential oil may help with congestion due to colds, allergies, respiratory infections, and the flu. You may also boil fresh rosemary in a pot of water, place it in a bowl, and breathe in the steam to help clear the lungs and throat. This will also help with any sinus or head pain.• Anti-Aging Rosemary is a popular ingre- dient in anti-aging skin creams because it helps reduce puffiness, stimulates cell regen- eration, increases firmness, and improves overall skin tone.On a personal experience level:Five years ago I started taking a cup of cold rosemary tea in the morning . . . hoping to improve my memory! I cannot honestly and objectively evaluate this, but I am five years older and my memory is fine.I can also report that I have not had a cold since starting! I have since learned that the good health benefits are mostly due to the great antioxidant properties of ros- marinic and carnosic acid found in abun- dance in this herb.